Apparatus and methods for processing mails using a manifest

A method for processing delivery items received from a manifest system of a shipper, the method comprising:

• testing the accuracy of a manifest system configured to create delivery item manifests;
• based on the testing, assigning the manifest system either a first certification designation or a second certification designation;
• receiving a plurality of delivery items from a shipper, each of the plurality of delivery items having a weight, the plurality of delivery items having been processed by the certified manifest system;
• receiving a manifest listing the delivery items and corresponding weights, the manifest having been created by the certified manifest system;
• if the manifest system has been assigned the first certification designation, sampling the delivery items processed by the certified manifest system at a first predetermined frequency;
• if the manifest system has been assigned the second certification designation, sampling the delivery items processed by the certified manifest system at a second predetermined frequency, the second predetermined frequency being more frequent than the first predetermined frequency;
• determining an accuracy of the manifest based on the sampled delivery items;
• delivering the delivery items if the accuracy is greater than a set value;
• and
• if the accuracy is lower than the set value, then applying a formula for collecting additional postage for the delivery items before delivering the delivery items.